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Dear Gappers,
On the back of talking to many a gapper and their family throughout the last year we realised there was a need to share our travel expertise to give confidence and solutions for the gapper, helping them plan a bespoke overseas travel itinerary whilst navigating the complex world of pandemic travel responsibly.
This 'need' led us to set up LEAP VIP, a centralised knowledge hub where the gapper can access hot off the press travel advice, our global network of contacts, and itineraries. Last year LEAP VIP helped many a gapper travel around Africa and Central America – for inspiration, read this article written in the Telegraph by two past LEAP VIPers.
LEAP VIP is perfect for the independent traveller and for those who are planning to travel independently after their Team Leap program.
Once you have signed up to Leap VIP we advise you to book a zoom chat with me, Milly, to start planning and shaping your gap year.
Look forward to meeting you,
Milly
Shape and build a bespoke gap year through Leap VIP and navigate the complexity of pandemic travel.
You will access an up-to-date travel resource to navigate the opening up of the globe, giving you the confidence and know how to travel once again. Follow us on @gapyearexperts - for update alerts and follow Leap Live
Chat through your gap plans
Once you are a VIP customer, we highly recommend you book a zoom call to chat through your plans with Milly. She is our travel guru and her font of knowledge is extensive when it comes to what is looking possible in these weird times.
A zoom with Milly will help give direction, hope and a realistic overview of safe /responsible paths to think about.
Her diary is accessed when you book onto Leap VIP
Where in the world can we go?
Now we have nailed an insurance company to look after you regardless of the FCDO advice, the world has opened up for the backpacker.
Currently you can go to a few countries in each continent - they want you to go there, we have agents ready to help organise you and an incident support team arranged to jump in should there be an trouble.
So, dust down the rucksack...
Is a pandemic covered?
No is the simple answer, and before lock down a pandemic was tucked away in the small print - an absurd idea fictionalised by the movies.
Alas even the old and the bold were caught out and the ancient rules for the travel industry meant we were the guys who had to pay the customer back for services undelivered. It was a messy business.
Anyway, moving forward new rules are in place and if a country opens its international borders then COVID-19 is now not deemed a pandemic and falls into the normal illness bracket and will be treated as such.
Am I insured if the FCDO advices against traveling there?
Most, in fact all insurance policies do not insure you if the FCDO says no BUT we have found a way around that. We have persuaded an insurance company, who pre-covid, only insured journalists to war torn countries to step in and cover the young traveller of today. So in a nutshell - if a border is open you can now go.
24/7 Back-Up and Support
Again, we have persuaded a company who only covered high profile corporations to widen their 24/7 service to the young traveller. They are amazing and right now having access to their network whilst you travel will key. They give advice from lost passports, accidents to borders closing. Do not leave home without their number.
Peak inside our little black book...
Never did we think we would ever consider doing this but throughout lock down we met some gorgeous people and projects around the world - people doing extraordinary things and are battling on against all odds to keep their mission alive.
For those travellers happy to go direct - I will happily introduce you knowing that we have vetted them and given them The Leap gold star. Our mantra being - would Guy and I send our kids there....
Social media
@gapyearexperts is where you need to be.
Never have we been more dependent on this - instagram is the place where we will notify you of all travel update - so please follow us.
Flight back-up
Now is not the time to book cheap flights - now is the time to book through an agent, a human being even, who can help and direct you with your flight. All VIP members will be introduced to our corporate team who are amazing.
Swab testing and QR codes
Just the beginning - before departure there's is going to be ever changing admin the airport is going to be busy, despite no shops being open.
When each country opens up we will have this on hand to share with you all.
This private hub of Leap VIP has been created to help the new generation of gappers navigate the unchartered and choppy waters of international travel.
We are asking for a one off annual subscription fee of £150 which is non-refundable BUT it is redeemable off leap programs and other products. It's a win, win purchase.
If you are unsure give us a quick call and we can talk you through it: 01672 519922.
Only when you're a member can then access Milly's diary on line for a gap year consultancy, via zoom.
One off subscription fee
You'll hear of border openings 48 hours before anyone else.
You'll know exactly what needs to be done to enter each country.
Top tips from those in the know, to help you travel safely.
Chat to Milly and maybe do something you may never have thought of.
Where to start - Guy and I have run The Leap for what seems like a life time and the pandemic certainly played with our heads. But challenge is what we do and we are excited about this resource aimed to help the independant traveller navigate the pandemic world. Their are solutions - you just need a helping hand to find safe and responsible options.
This resource has come together with the help of our friends all over the world and it will be your one stop travel shop.
Be part of this community and we will help you travel safely and responsibly.
